Health Minister Mike O'Brien MP has visited the 3M Health Care site at Loughborough to see the company's advanced medical products.
Mr O'Brien was given a tour of the Derby Road manufacturing site, where more than 1,000 medical devices and other healthcare products are marketed.
The site has recently seen the installation of a production line for the Cavilon durable barrier cream, which protects the skin of incontinent patients. Global manufacturing of this product has moved here from the USA.
The Minister was also given a demonstration of the new Littmann 3100 stethoscope, which amplifies sound up to 24 times more than a standard stethoscope while reducing background noise by 85%. This year, 3M plans to launch the 3200 model, which uses Bluetooth technology to transmit sounds wirelessly to the patient's electronic record or to another consultant.
Gary Stapleton, Director of 3M Health Care, said: "Clinical trials are currently under way in the UK which combine use of the 3200 stethoscope with advanced diagnostic software to better detect heart murmurs. Such timely intervention will help save lives and offer significant savings for the NHS. We were delighted to be able to share these latest technologies with the Minister."
Mike O'Brien commented: "Innovation in medical technology can play a vital role in helping the NHS meet changing care needs and increase efficiency. We are therefore keen to support businesses which produce in the UK to help them succeed not only in the domestic market but also internationally, and champion the UK as a global partner of choice to overseas companies."
3M is a diversified technology company. The UK and Ireland is home to one of its largest subsidiaries outside the USA.
Mike O'Brien (third from left) at 3M